Recruiting Report: Alex Heath (2018)
Michael Fitzpatrick
It’s been quite a week for Alex Heath (2018), the 5’9” PG from Garfield Heights. Heath verbally committed to D-II Mercyhurst and then just to show why he’s headed to the next level he scored 42 points in an Earl Boykins summer league playoff game on July 24 win in which he led the undermanned Garfield team to a 79-70 overtime win over D-IV state champion Lutheran East.
Heath’s been a starter on the high school varsity level for the past three years, which included stops at Cleveland Central Catholic and Lutheran East.
Incredibly quick and a strong ball handler he can find creases in a defense and get to the cup or create for a teammate. He’s also a good shooter. In his big game against Lutheran East he knocked down nine 3s. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and looks to be a true gamer.
He showed incredible toughness in the summer league playoff game win, going down hard on his back and tailbone after a drive to the basket, but coming out for 10 seconds before returning.
Heath at this point seems content to continue his career at Mercyhurst, but Sonny Johnson, his new high school coach, said Division I schools have called him to discuss Heath.
“He can get his teammates involved as well as score the ball and he’s a big competitor,” said Johnson of Heath.
Heath’s quickness allows him to create space and rise up off the dribble on his jump shot, even against taller defenders.
Defensively, he’s a “ballhawk” said Johnson.
“He takes as much pride on the defensive end as he does on the offensive end,” Johnson pointed out.
Heath said Mercyhurst coaches were impressed with his defense and how he verbally led his team on the floor.
Heath counts his tenacity and will to compete as one of the strengths of his game.
“I don’t give up. I don’t quit. I play with a chip on my shoulder,” Heath said.
Heath left CCC for Garfield Heights due to financial considerations.
Heath said he believes he'll fit in well with his new teammates, including freshman Meechie Johnson, (2021) who is considered one of the top freshman point guards in the state if not the country.
“Me and Meechie get along great. I love playing with him. He’s one of the best freshmen in the country. It’s going to be a scary backcourt,” Heath said.
Garfield Heights could field a team this season with as many as seven players who will earn Division I basketball scholarships.
